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Jeb followed Cain into the room, sinking into one of the overstuffed chairs letting out a sigh.

Cain sat in a nearby chair and studied Jeb for a minute. "Now do you see what I'm talking about?" he asked.

'He would take now to say 'I told you so' wouldn't he?' thought Jeb miserably. "I couldn't stop her if that's what you're asking. She meant well though," he said, running his fingers through his hair.

"She's got a good heart. She means well…it just rarely turns out the way she thinks it will."

"Tell me about it. She always expects it to be the way it was in Kansas, but it's not. Sure, there are similarities, but she hasn't adjusted to the changes yet. I'll have to keep a closer eye on that in the future."

Cain nodded his approval. "Just be sure not to underestimate her. She's tough, even with that heart of gold."

Jeb nodded vigorously in agreement. "That's what I'm afraid of though," he said ruefully. "What if someone uses that against her? She's known for being compassionate and loving. She's strong and tough too, but she's had it all used against her before, what would stop somebody from trying it again? What if something happened to me and some jerk stepped in and tricked her into that situation back there, huh? She should be grateful it's just me…"

"Son, I think she'd be fighting it a lot harder if it wasn't you. But you mean something to her, a lot more than some random jerk. Besides, I doubt she would have used that line as a means of defense if it had been anybody else. She trusts you. She's comfortable with you. In order to pull off what you guys did to get out of there, she had to feel those things."

"So you don't think I'm gonna make her miserable?" he asked skeptically.

"I think it could be a heck of a lot worse for both of you."

"So you're not mad anymore?" Jeb asked, surprised at how calm his father was at the moment. Granted, he had been fairly calm since DG curled up in his arms, not that he could blame the man even though it hurt a little remembering that.

"I was mad cause I thought you were two were sneaking around behind my back and I didn't understand why you wouldn't tell me something like that. I would have been happy for you if you had, you know," he added.

"I think you were more hurt you didn't figure it out," Jeb teased.

"That too," said Cain, chuckling and enjoying the time he was spending with his son.

"Do you think she'll ever get used to the idea?" asked Jeb quietly after a couple minutes of silence passed while the two men were lost in thought.

"She's still in shock. Give her time, Son." Jeb nodded as Cain watched him attempt to hide the sadness in his eyes. He could hear Adora plain as day saying 'He gets that from you' and he had to admit she was right.

DG did as she was told and slept soundly for a couple hours before hearing a knock on the door. It was soon opened by her sister who came to sit in the chair next to the bed.

"You ok, Deege?" she asked, watching her sister with concern.

"Why do I always mess things up?" she asked, sitting up.

"It's more our fault than it is yours, Deege. We should have realized you wouldn't be familiar with all the customs of the area. Jeb couldn't very well correct you after what you said and it would have been rude to refuse the engagement party. Unfortunately, it also means that you'll have to go through with it. Ozian rule. Sorry, Sis."

DG stared at her sister open-mouthed. "Guess I don't have to explain then," she muttered but was grateful.

"Oh, after Cain and Jeb talked they went to Mother and Father to explain the situation. Don't worry, they told them that you were resting and I promised to come check on you after awhile."

DG groaned. "How did it go over?"

"Well, Mother and Father weren't too pleased, but they agree with Cain that you could do a lot worse. Jeb's an honorable man. Besides, it'll be easier to guard you this way," she teased, trying to lighten the mood.

"Hmmph," was all she got in response.

Undeterred she continued. "I think they were more upset to hear of their daughter's engagement by messenger when you were, you know, actually in the palace."

"We were still discussing strategy," she said as if that explained everything. "I can't believe she sent out invitations though," she said, groaning again.

"Well, the invitations were necessary. It was bad enough that the Eastern Guild hadn't heard about it before you showed up. You're lucky they didn't react badly to that. She had to do it to save everything we've worked so hard for in the last annual."

"I know, I know, I just…ugh!"

Az was stopped from having to come up with a response when there was a knock at the door. Getting up to answer it, she was pleased when she opened the door to see Jeb and Cain.

Az let them in and went straight to Jeb. Giving him a hug, which surprised him, she said "Welcome to the family. Take good care of her for me," and with a nod to Cain she left the room.

"You sleep ok, Deege?" Jeb asked.

"As well as can be expected," she retorted. She hated waking up from naps and was extra grumpy given the situation. "Did you two have a nice chat?" she asked, risking a glance at Cain to try and gage his reaction.

"It's fine, DG, I'm alright with it," Cain said, answering her silent question. "I was just hurt you didn't tell me, but given the circumstances I can't say I'm surprised."

She glared at him for a second and then turned to focus on Jeb. "You sure you can do this?" she asked, unsure of herself.

"I'm here, aren't I?" he retorted. He couldn't keep the smile from breaking his stoic face and she smiled back gratefully.

Crawling out from under the blanket she sat up on her knees and went to the edge of the bed where Jeb was standing and curled up against him in a tight hug. He breathed a sigh of relief and held her just as close.

Cain stood up to leave but before reaching the door thought of something else. 'I shouldn't mention it, just let them have some time….no, I should mention it. They need to discuss it.' His head was torn, but finally choosing the latter he hoped he had the guts to say what he was thinking right then and that it would have the desired affect.

Turning back to take one last look at the couple he mused aloud. "I am surprised though…who would have thought my grandkids would be royalty?" and with that he walked out and shut the door behind him.

DG looked up at Jeb startled. "Kids?" she mouthed.

Jeb laughed. "Well, they will be expecting heirs. You are a princess after all. And I'm sure Father would like a couple of grandchildren now that I think about it…" Jeb mused. DG just continued to stare at him.